Persian New Year Celebration at Balboa Park

Hoda Khan, center, dances during the Persian New Year celebration Sunday at Balboa Park. The holiday known as Nowruz coincides with the first day of spring or the vernal equinox.
— Bill Wechter / UT San Diego

Queen of the House of Iran, Sepiedeh Paydar, parades towards the stage with the Iranian flag to start the festivities at the Persian New Year celebration Sunday at Balboa Park.
— Bill Wechter / UT San Diego

Kareshmeh Kabiri, center, performs with the Gheesu Persian Dance Group performs during the Persian New Year celebration Sunday at Balboa Park. Gheesu means beautiful, long hair in the language of Farsi.
— Bill Wechter / UT San Diego

Hannah Mirmohammadi, 10, dressed in a traditional Iranian costume which was given to her by her great grandmother who purchased it in Iran, dances during the Persian New Year celebration Sunday at Balboa Park
— Bill Wechter / UT San Diego

Elika Haeri, 13, dances on her picnic blanket during the Persian New Year celebration Sunday at Balboa Park. The holiday known as Nowruz coincides with the first day of spring or the vernal equinox.
— Bill Wechter / UT San Diego